Companion and gun dog Small size 5-9 kg
Miniature Poodle
A clever, adaptable small dog that excels at training and apartment life - regular grooming and some inherited conditions are the trade-offs.
Match with your household
See match detail → Quick overview
Small
Size
5-9 kg, 28-38 cm tall
High
Activity
Lively and quick; needs daily walks and mental work
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Sociable; can settle once exercised
Easy
Handling
Exceptionally quick to learn
High
Coat care
Curly coat needs clipping every 6-8 weeks
Good
Fit with kids
Good with gentle, older children
Good
Other pets
Usually friendly with other pets
Moderate
Health burden
Knee, eye and hormonal issues
The Miniature Poodle typically weighs 5-9 kg, stands 28-38 cm, and lives 13-15 years.
Consider this breed if…
you want a small, brainy dog for training and dog sports,
you live in a flat and can meet the daily walk and mental work,
low shedding matters and you accept the grooming schedule,
you want a long-lived companion that stays engaged with you.
Do not consider this breed if…
you want a low-maintenance coat with no professional trims,
you expect a placid lap dog that ignores boredom,
you have very young, rough children and a fragile small dog worries you,
long solitary days are the norm in your household.
A typical day with a Miniature Poodle
- 6:30 · Morning20-30 min walk plus a few training reps
- 9:00 · MidmorningPuzzle feeder or chew, then naps nearby
- 12:30 · NoonShort walk or indoor play
- 16:00 · AfternoonTrick session or scent game, 10 minutes
- 18:30 · EveningFamily walk and play
- 21:00 · NightSettles happily once worked and fed
Family and environment
Kids Good
Fine with gentle, older kids; supervise around toddlers.
Dogs Good
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats Good
Generally fine, especially when raised together.
Apartment Ideal
Small and adaptable; thrives in a flat with daily activity.
House with a yard Suitable
Enjoys a yard but wants to be indoors with its people.
City Suitable
Handles city life well with early socialization.
Countryside Suitable
Happy with space and outdoor games.
Health data provided by RealVetCost Overall health burden Moderate
Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.
View the full health profileTop health concerns
Luxating patella Kneecap slips out of place; may need surgery
Progressive retinal atrophy Genetic eye disease; DNA testing available
Epilepsy and seizures Usually managed with medication
Addison's disease Hormonal disorder needing lifelong treatment
Similar breeds - by reason
Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.
Smaller size, same temperament
Toy Poodle
A tiny, bright companion that is easy to train and ideal for apartments - its fragility around small children and regular grooming are the main caveats.
View profile →
Larger size, same temperament
Poodle Medium
A highly trainable, low-shedding companion that suits active families - the constant clipping and grooming bills are the real commitment.
View profile →
Another low-shedding small companion
Bichon Frise
A cheerful, low-shedding companion that suits apartments and families - just budget for frequent grooming and don't leave it alone for long.
View profile →Frequently asked questions
How much does a Miniature Poodle cost?
Expect roughly $1,200-$3,000 from a health-testing breeder in the US, more for show or sought-after lines. Purchase price is the small part: professional grooming every 6-8 weeks adds up to thousands over the dog's life, and inherited issues like knee, eye, or hormonal conditions can bring real vet bills. Budget for grooming, routine care, and insurance or an emergency fund.
Is a Miniature Poodle a good apartment dog?
Yes, it is one of the better small dogs for flats. It is quiet by nature and adaptable, provided it gets a daily walk and some mental work. A bored, underexercised miniature poodle can bark and get restless, so the routine matters more than the square footage.
Does a Miniature Poodle shed?
Very little. The curly coat holds loose hair instead of dropping it, which suits people sensitive to shedding. The catch is that the coat keeps growing and mats without regular brushing and a clip every 6-8 weeks, so low shedding comes with real grooming commitment.
How long does a Miniature Poodle live?
Commonly 13-15 years, and often a bit longer with good care, which is typical for a healthy small dog. Keeping it lean, staying on top of dental and eye checks, and using a breeder who screens for inherited conditions all help it reach the upper end.